Day 15!! Half-way there!

Day 15 symbolizes that I am officially at the halfway mark! Halfway!! Being at the halfway mark is definitely was easier than being at day one or two…those days were tough. But, Day 15 is good. So, good in fact that I’m feeling:

1. Energized. How energized? Well, I no longer have a cup of coffee in the morning or hot tea to get me going, and I no longer stop and grab one half way through my day to keep me going. I have this natural, endless energy! (My sleeping hours have also stayed the exact same way)

2. I feel lighter. More flexible. More free. (I know it sounds so stupid but it’s true!!)

3. My skin is glowing and I no longer have tired looking eyes in the morning.

4. My hair and nails won’t stop growing!!! It’s insane!

5. I sleep better at night. More soundly, and wake up feeling refreshed not tired.

6. I have better workouts and I can swim and bike farther.

7. I’m losing weight, and my clothes are getting a little bit looser!

8. I have found my taste buds don’t crave meat really anymore..but they still always crave chocolate! (not sure that will ever go away!)

9. I feel Good!!

So, there you have it! My journey is moving right along, and so far I’m so impressed by the results I’m finding by eating a plant-based diet! I am experimenting with all new foods I never even knew were out there, and each day I’m continuing my research and growing as a person! How’s your vegan challenge going? Let me know! In the mean time, check out this website.. http://www.pcrm.org/kickstarthome/mealplan/index.cfm

It’s my all time new fav! Happy Monday…and Godbless!

                           Keep Walkn’ In His Grace, <3 Michelle

The Journey continues on!

Detailed blog coming tomorrow! The journey continues and I'm learning so much! Can't wait to share it with you all!!

Today :)

Since this fun, crazy journey of going vegan has started this is how I feel:

Still going strong. Still feeling Great. Learning. Growing. Appreciating. Changing. Understanding.


                                   Vegan <3

Day 11!

Hello everyone!

 I pray and hope you all had a great week! I’m sorry for not posting a blog in the past few days; life on this end has been super busy and go-go-go! I just got home from working all day, showered, painted my nails ((something I was dying to do all week but had no time)) and now I’m sitting down to fill you all in on day 11 of being vegan! I still can’t believe I’ve gone vegan for 11 days…the weird thing is that it feels sooo much longer than just 11 simple days, because my mind and body have begun to adjust to this whole new way of living. When I signed up to do this ((well, volunteered) I wasn’t expecting much other than getting really sick and tired of veggies and fruits. Surprisingly though, I’m beginning to find that these past 11 days are transforming not only my body but my mind! I’m conscious about what I’m putting into my body, being exposed to, how much exercise I’m getting in, ect. On the flip side, I’m also being challenged to try new things, new restaurants, be okay when I cook for 2 hours over a brand new recipe only to find out that it sucks, and most of all, I love being adventurous with food and challenging myself more each day. 

While we are on the topic of being adventurous, last night we had a vegan night where everyone brought a tasty, new vegan recipe (some were vegan and gluten free) and we all had dinner and tried all new food and had a great time!! We even had vegan/GF cupcakes and cookies too!! I’m very proud and blessed that I have friends that are open to trying new things, and doing it all with a great attitude and a supportive heart. God has surely blessed me. The best part of all was that JT surprised me and drove home so he took part in our vegan night as well and had a blast! Good food+ Good friends=GREAT night! We are definitely planning another vegan dinner night soon so if you guys are interested leave a comment and we will make it happen! For now, I’m off to read my newest book: “The Kind Diet”. I’m in love with it, and it’s inspiring me to try new recipes this week! Have a lovely weekend everyone, and take care of your bodies, minds, and most of all your hearts! Be a little adventurous, be ready to try new things, and in the process grow into a more beautiful person! 

Luv ya all! Godbless!

    Happy Weekending, <3 Michelle

The truth on Tofu

Good evening everyone,

I hope you all had a lovely Monday! I have finished my research on tofu and have come to the conclusion that I will only have one serving of fermented soy products daily (i.e. soy milk, soy yogurt, and tofu). After going vegan, I just simply assumed (just as I assumed meat was the only protein) that tofu, and soy milk was healthy since it’s advertised and sold at all of the health food stores. Based on what I researched, non-GMO soy is fine and perfectly healthy for your body which is good news! GMO soy though has been found in multiple studies to:

1. Slow down the thyroid and in some cases reverse the process so instead of losing weight, you gain weight.

2. Goiter problems in infants who were fed soy-based formula (fyi parents: Do Not feed your baby Soy formula) *And, all who are vegan doctors recommend using iodine salt in at least one of your meals per day*

3. Low memory recall in people who consumed 2-3 servings of soy products in the age range of 40-70 years old. *Out of that age group the men who consumed soy 2-3 times per day almost all nearly experienced rapid dementia (loss of memory) while the women did not.

4. One case study, links a large consumption of soy products to breast cancer.

5. Low libido and prostate problems in men (in fact, monks are fed soy based products including tofu to help keep them sexually pure).

6. An increase in kidney stones in women,

In all, non-GMO is healthy for you, and GMO soy should not be consumed more than once a day. Doctors and scientists say consumption of low doses (one serving per day) of non-GMO soy can be healthy but too much is hazardous to our health. So, that is the research on tofu, and soy!! I encourage you all to research the info for yourself, and pay attention to the multiple studies they have done on soy in each of these areas. Happy Vegan eating and keep up the great work!! It’s day 8 and I am still feeling great! 

                           p.s. remember knowledge is power! 

                                   Keep Walkn’ in His Grace, <3 Michelle

Day 8!!

It's day 8!! I can't believe I haven't eaten MEAT or DAIRY, or EGGS in 8 days!! I'm getting Healthier. Stronger. Lighter. More Energized. The research on soy products continues and I promise I'll upload it tonight! This weekend was crazy busy and I'm smack dab in the middle of midterms and working two jobs while planning our wedding! (BTW wedding planning is soo much fun..I LOVE it!) So, stay tuned for tonights blog! Also, next week we will be showcasing an interview session with my cousin Jessica and her hubby Matt who have been vegans for three years now! With that said, have a Happy Monday, get some organic coffee and if you're doing this challenge go out and try a new fruit today or make a new recipe. Changing it up is good.  Godbless!
                                                Happy Monday, <3 Michelle

          

Day 6/7 Research on soy continues..

Hello everyone! 

Happy Sunday!! I am so blessed that it's Sunday because I was able to sleep in, spend some time reading my Bible, and made a bowl of heart-healthy oatmeal with frozen blueberries on top! =) I apologize for not posting yesterday on tofu-I started my research and what I'm finding is kind of crazy scary on soy, and tofu products. I am still gathering information and called my doctor to get his opinion as well. I should be posting the info tonight or tomorrow so check back! In the meantime, check out some of the YouTube videos I've posted to my facebook page on soy products as a whole. Who knows....I might be going Vegan raw after this. (I'm starting to hate this research..I go in thinking I'm right and come out finding i'm not!!...but, it's a journey to health and giving my body the best!)

                        Have a lovely Sunday, <3 Michelle